In a plane electromagnetic wave, the electric field oscillates sinusoidally at a frequency of 2.0 × 1010 Hz and amplitude 48 V m−1.

(a) What is the wavelength of the wave?

(b) What is the amplitude of the oscillating magnetic field?

(c) Show that the average energy density of the E field equals the average energy density of the B field. [c = 3 × 108 m s−1.]

Frequency of the electromagnetic wave, ν = 2.0 × 1010 Hz

Electric field amplitude, E0 = 48 V m−1

Speed of light, c = 3 × 108 m/s

(a) Wavelength of a wave is given as:

(b) Magnetic field strength is given as:

(c) Energy density of the electric field is given as:

And, energy density of the magnetic field is given as:

Where,

0 = Permittivity of free space

μ0 = Permeability of free space

We have the relation connecting E and B as:

E = cB … (1)

Where,

… (2)

Putting equation (2) in equation (1), we get

Squaring both sides, we get

  • 31
What are you looking for?